How to become a policy analyst

Analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations.

What does policy analyst do?

Policy analysts analyse policies and their effects to direct government and organisation programs and operations. They offer strategic policy and planning advice for organisations and should have excellent analytical abilities and an understanding of organisational policies and objectives.

Duties and tasks

  • Analyse anticipated impact and financial circumstances, effect on other programs and political and administrative achievability of policies.
  • Evaluate existing policies and legislation to ascertain inconsistencies and out-dated requirements.
  • Implement and oversee research and analysis projects to evaluate socio-economic and commercial trends with organisations expectations of programs and services.
  • Prepare analyses of policy options for organisations as well as recommendations for policy development and modifications.
  • Serve as a reference and expert in the field on policy, program and legislative matters, working with government officials and stakeholders.
  • Work with other Managers and Board Members to outline goals and objectives and develop strategic policies to meet those objectives.

Related jobs

  • Education officer
  • Foreign affairs and trade officer
  • Parliamentarian
  • Policy advisor
  • Policy and planning manager
  • Project and program administrator
  • Research officer
  • Research and development manager
  • Resource economist
  • University lecturer
University of Canberra

Build your leadership edge in government

Deepen your expertise in policy, strategy and public sector leadership. Learn to influence decisions and manage complex challenges. Apply your skills to real-world problems through an industry project. Lead change across government and enterprise.

Study method
100% online
University of Canberra

Build your skills for working in government

Understand how programs and processes work in the Australian Government. Build practical skills to contribute effectively in public sector teams. Explore policy, legal frameworks, and budgets. Continue your study with a UC MBA.

Study method
100% online
Queensland University of Technology

Make meaningful change in violence prevention

Become a trauma-informed practitioner in social work, policy, and policing. You’ll build a practical, skills-based approach to address gendered violence in all its forms. Strengthen prevention efforts and improve responses across communities and justice systems.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Queensland University of Technology

Learn how government works and start shaping public policy

Explore the policy cycle – including drafting submissions, analysing data and evaluating outcomes. Learn to navigate Australia’s political and governance systems. Gain the skills and confidence to well-informed policy recommendations.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Explore public policy courses
University of New England
Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 22 Feb 2027
University of Tasmania

Public Policy

UndergraduateTAS-HPP302

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 5 Jul 2027
Murdoch University

Public Policy Analysis

UndergraduateMUR-POL246

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 26 Jul 2027
La Trobe University

Crime Prevention and Policy

UndergraduateLTU-LCR2003

Study method
100% online
Start dates
Starts 1 Mar 2027
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